(from left) Florida Gulf Coast University professors Shelton Weeks and Tim Allen, scholars Courtney Klepfer, Andres Boral, and Brandon Barnes, Ave Maria Registrar Stephanie Negip, with Lisa Sands and Sean Ellis of the Real Estate Investment Society.
The Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) proudly announces the award of the annual Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU) students Alex Vercheski and Courtney Klepfer. Each scholarship provides $2,500 toward tuition and books. In addition, the REIS Scholarship Foundation awarded $2,000 scholarships to FGCU student Andres Boral and Ave Maria student Brandon Barnes. These outstanding scholars also receive honorary membership in REIS for one year and may attend meetings on a complimentary basis. “We welcome outstanding scholars to join us, to learn about the area’s commercial real estate industry, and develop relationships with members of the business community,” explained REIS President Sean Ellis. “The REIS scholarship programs represent our commitment to our professions and our community. We support student interest in business by providing financial assistance for their higher education and welcoming them to participate in our meetings and educational programs. Our goal is to promote the professionalism of our future business leaders and thereby the economic vitality of our community.” Alex Vercheski is a junior majoring in Legal Studies, with the ambition of a career in real estate law. Alex is also a real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty. Courtney Klepfer is a junior majoring in Legal Studies and also works at Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club. Andres Boral has achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and is working toward a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He has experience working with a local development/civil engineering firm and looks forward to becoming a consulting engineer for developers, investors and land owners. Mark Morris, chairman of the REIS scholarship committee, explains that the Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship is an endowed FGCU scholarship fund. Continuing contributions from REIS and the annual Slaw Dog Invitational Golf Tournament have significantly increased the fund. The REIS Scholarship Foundation is a not-for-profit, registered 501(c)3 corporation, supported by contributions from the real estate and business community, with scholarships offered to students at several area universities and colleges. Information on contributing to either of the REIS scholarship programs is available at the REIS web site: www.reis-swfl.org or Mark Morris, (239) 489-3303 extension 175. Criteria, school contacts, and other information on the program are also available at the REIS web site: www.reis-swfl.org.